CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina coach Roy Williams says junior guard Leslie McDonald plans to redshirt after suffering an offseason knee injury.

McDonald had surgery in August to repair a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and damaged meniscus suffered during a summer league game a month earlier. He has returned to some practice drills and 5-on-5 work, and Williams said Friday that McDonald is about a month ahead in his recovery. But he said McDonald still isn't ready to play in a game, so sitting out this year and concentrating on his recovery is "the smartest thing to do."

McDonald averaged about seven points off the bench and shot 38 percent from 3-point range last season.